On our iTunes test (a timed conversion of 11 MP3 files from MP3 to AAC, designed to test the CPU), we clocked the UL30A-A1 at 7 minutes and 30 seconds, which is two minutes slower than the average ultraportable. The Fujitsu LifeBook P8020 is the only other ultraportable we’ve tested that took longer than 7 minutes to complete the iTunes test. But what’s truly remarkable is that the Fujitsu LifeBook P8020 costs $2,500—triple what the Asus UL30A-A1 costs.
The touchpad doesn’t support multitouch gestures, but there is an optional setting that lets you zoom in some applications by scrolling up and down with one finger on the left side of the touchpad.
I’ve been using the Inspiron Mini 10v for the past week or two and I’ve started to get used to the touchpad, but I’m still not a big fan and I find the netbook much easier to use when I plug in a USB mouse.
ST’s new TS4657 is a single chip combining audio-DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and line-driver functions to feed the audio Line-Out connection of set-top boxes, DVD players, portable multimedia devices, sound cards, or similar equipment. The Line Out provides a direct connection to drive an external home amplifier.
Another change H-P made was to work more closely with retailers like Wal-Mart to forecast PC demand. By getting orders in earlier, H-P could save on component and manufacturing costs, which are cheaper if they’re ordered far in advance.
But if you’re determined to be the first person on your block with a Windows 7 PC, Battery,all is not lost. While the official release date of October 22 is a Thursday, we’ve heard from several sources that certain big brick-and-mortar retail stores are going to start advertising Windows 7 systems in the weekend newspaper circulars that hit on Sunday, October 18.
The implication is, if you drop by a retail store that Sunday, there’s a good chance they’ll have Windows 7 versions of some laptops and desktops in the store already, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to walk out with one.
As you can see, it’s a very strong machine. Yes, you pay for this level of performance, but if you want something that will give you the hardware-level edge over your competition, this is the machine to do it. But the hardware is only half the story. This machine has the looks to impress as well. Alienware built the case out of anodized black aluminum, which makes it feel like one hell of a sturdy unit.
They also added some new touch controls across the top of the keyboard,in addition to the typical indicator lights. The touch strip allows you to eject the optical media, turn the volume up and down, turn off the wifi, and activate or deactivate the “Command Center” (more on that later) and the discrete graphics mode. This is rather handy, and except for some obvious exceptions, standard on most laptops nowadays.